Systems and methods of using a braided implant

ABSTRACT

A braided implant configured as a flow diverter for treating an aneurysm. The implant can include a braided mesh configured to maintain a substantially consistent target porosity over up to a 1 mm vessel diameter range over a predetermined length in a tapered vessel.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to implants within body vessels and more particularly to flow diverters, stents and related methods that included braided implants formed of strands of material.

BACKGROUND

Vascular disorders and defects such as aneurysms and other arterio-venous malformations are especially difficult to treat when located near critical tissues or where ready access to a malformation is not available. Both difficulty factors apply especially to cranial aneurysms. Due to the sensitive brain tissue surrounding cranial blood vessels and the restricted access, it is very challenging and often risky to surgically treat defects of the cranial vasculature.

Typically, a stent-like vascular reconstruction device is first guided beneath the aneurysm to be treated using a delivery catheter. One commercially available reconstruction product is the CERENOVOUS ENTERPRISE® Vascular Reconstruction Device and System as described, whereby The CERENOVOUS ENTERPRISE® stent device is carried by a central delivery wire and initially held in place on the delivery wire in a collapsed state by a sheath-type introducer. Typically, a delivery catheter such as a PROWLER® SELECT® Plus microcatheter, also commercially available from Cerenovous and as disclosed by Gore et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,622, for example, is first positioned intravascularly with its distal tip slightly beyond the neck of the aneurysm. The tapered distal tip of the introducer is mated with the proximal hub of the delivery catheter, and the delivery wire is then advanced through the delivery catheter.

The CERENOVOUS ENTERPRISE® stent device has a highly flexible, self-expanding closed cell design with a number of coils of radiopaque wire to serve as markers at each flared end of the device. Manufacture of such markers is relatively time-consuming and expensive due to the small size of the stent and the need to wrap the radiopaque wire multiple times around struts on the stent, which is especially difficult within closed cells of the stent.

Vascular aneurysms have several methods of treatment available. One approach includes flow diverting stents that can be intra-vascular stents dense enough so that blood flow is diverted from entering the aneurysm. Such flow diverters are a recent and growing treatment option. Otherwise, the majority of the current generation of flow diverters are composed of a tubular braid of metal wires that are operate similar to a finger trap toy. These tubular braids are then compressed radially, delivered through a small-bore catheter to the treatment site, and then expanded in place.

Further, the weakness and non-linear nature of the neurovasculature limits the applicability of such stents in procedures, for example, in repairing neurovascular defects. Furthermore, known delivery methods are less useful in vasoocclusive surgery, particularly when tiny vessels, such as those found in the brain, are to be treated. Accordingly, there is a need for braided implants that can be used with delivery techniques in vasoocclusive treatment of neurovascular defects that provides selective reinforcement in the vicinity of the neurovascular defect. There is also a need for a braided stent that reduces trauma or risk of rupture to the blood vessel. The solution of this disclosure resolves these and other issues of the art.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are various exemplary devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure that can address the above needs.

An object of the present solution is to provide one or more braided implants that are configured as flow diverters that provide longer vessel diameter ranges for tapering vessels and maintain the target porosity over a predetermined length (e.g., a 1 mm vessel diameter range).

An object of the present solution is to increase the applicable vessel diameter range for braided implants to minimize the number of devices necessary for practitioners when treating an aneurysm. In one example, the one or more braided implants comprise a broad plateau area of the characteristic porosity curve, indicating the braided implant(s) for vessel diameters within the plateau (resulting in a 1.0 mm wide indicated range), and overlapping the device indicated ranges so the doctor has options for the best choice depending on the anatomy presented.

In certain examples, a braided implant is disclosed that is configured as a flow diverter for treating an aneurysm. The implant can include a braided mesh configured to maintain a substantially consistent target porosity in a tapered vessel over at least a 1 mm vessel diameter range. The braided mesh can also be configured to maintain the substantially consistent target porosity between proximal and distal ends of the braided mesh while in the tapered vessel.

In certain examples, the tapered vessel includes a proximal end diameter and a distal end diameter that differ by up to 1 mm, wherein the up to 1 mm vessel diameter range is defined by comparing the proximal and distal end diameters. However, it is contemplated that the diameter can differ by at least 0.5 mm or any other diameter differential as needed or required.

In certain examples, the substantially consistent target porosity is approximately 70%. In certain examples, the predetermined length between proximal and distal ends of the braided mesh in the tapered vessel is at least 3 cm.

In certain examples, the predetermined length between proximal and distal ends of the braided mesh in the tapered vessel is at least 2 cm.

In certain examples, the predetermined length between proximal and distal ends of the braided mesh in the tapered vessel is at least 1 cm.

In certain examples, the predetermined length between proximal and distal ends of the braided mesh in the tapered vessel is defined between the proximal cavernous internal carotid artery and the internal carotid artery terminus.

In certain examples, a braided implant is disclosed for medical use. The implant can include a mesh having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the mesh comprises a porosity substantially consistent between the proximal and distal ends over a 1 mm radial range in vessel diameter.

In certain examples, the porosity is approximately 70% over the 1 mm radial range in vessel diameter.

In certain examples, the braided implant further comprises an indicated vessel diameter, and wherein the braided implant is configured such that the indicated vessel diameter coincides with a peak of a porosity curve of the braided implant. The braided implant can include a porosity plateau that corresponds to the 1 mm radial range in vessel diameter that is disposed about the peak of the porosity curve.

In certain examples, across a vessel diameter range of 2 to 3 mm, a porosity of the braided implant ranges between 65% and 70%.

In certain examples, across a vessel diameter range of 2.5 to 3.5 mm, a porosity of the braided implant ranges between 65% and 70%.

In certain examples, across a vessel diameter range of 3.0 to 4.0 mm, a porosity of the braided implant ranges between 65% and 70%.

In certain examples, across a vessel diameter range of 3.5 to 4.5 mm, a porosity of the braided implant ranges between 65% and 70%.

In certain examples, across the braided implant is configured for a vessel diameter range of 3.5 to 4.5 mm, and wherein the braided implant includes a porosity of 69% at a vessel diameter of 3.5 mm; a porosity of 69% at a vessel diameter of 4.0 mm; and a porosity of 67% at a vessel diameter of 4.5 mm.

In certain examples, across a vessel diameter range of 4.5 to 5.5 mm, a porosity of the braided implant ranges between 65% and 70%.

In certain examples, a pore density of the braided implant is 18 pores/mm^(2.)

In certain examples, a pore density of the braided implant is 23 pores/mm^(2.)

In certain examples, a pore density of the braided implant is 19 pores/mm^(2.)

In certain examples, a pore density of the braided implant is approximately 18 to 23 pores/mm^(2.)

In certain examples, a target vessel treated by the braided implant is tapered.

In certain examples, the braided implant is a substantially cylindrical porous structure.

In certain examples, the braided implant is a stent.

In certain examples, the braided implant is a flow diverter.

In certain examples, the braided implant is formed from a plurality of single strands composed of at least a first material and one or more radiopaque multi-strands.

In certain examples, the braided implant is woven to include at least a second multi-strand. In certain examples, the braided implant is formed from a plurality of multi-formed of monofilaments each laid together with monofilaments, respectively.

In certain examples, the braided implant further includes a pattern of that is woven, wherein the pattern comprises openings defined by a plurality of single strands oriented in a first direction and by a plurality of single strands oriented in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

In certain examples, the braided implant further includes a pattern of that is braided, wherein the pattern comprises openings defined by a plurality of single strands oriented in a first direction and by a plurality of single strands oriented in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

In certain examples, a system for treating an aneurysm is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of braided implants, wherein each braided implant comprises a porosity substantially consistent over a different 1 mm radial range in vessel diameter, each braided implant configured to provide substantially consistent porosity over different 1 mm diameter ranges.

In certain examples, the braided implant is configured for use in a tapered vessel. The tapered vessel can include a proximal end diameter and a distal end diameter that differ by up to 1 mm. The different 1 mm radial range in vessel diameter can be defined by comparing the proximal and distal end diameters. However, the different 1 mm radial range in vessel diameter can be also determined by measuring the vessel diameter at two separate locations at the treatment site.

In certain examples, the plurality of braided implants of the system is configured to treat any vessel within a 1.5 mm to 6 mm diameter range.

In certain examples, the plurality of braided implants of the system includes a first braided implant (10) configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 2 to 3 mm; a second braided implant (10) configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 2.5 to 3.5 mm; a third braided implant (10) configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 3.0 to 4.0 mm; a fourth braided implant (10) configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 3.5 to 4.5 mm; a fifth braided implant (10) configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 4.0 to 5.0 mm; and a sixth braided implant (10) configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 4.5 to 5.5 mm. The porosity of each braided implant (10) can range between 65% and 70% at the indicated vessel range for the respective implant. In some examples, the porosity of each braided implant is approximately 70%. In some examples, each braided implant further comprises an indicated vessel diameter, and wherein the braided implant is configured such that the indicated vessel diameter coincides with a peak of a porosity curve of the braided implant. In some examples, each braided implant further includes a porosity plateau that corresponds to the 1 mm range in vessel diameter that is disposed about the peak of the porosity curve. In some examples, each braided implant includes a pore density ranging approximately between 18 to 23 pores/mm^(2.)

In some examples, a pore density of the first braided implant is 18 pores/mm^(2.)

In some examples, a pore density of the second braided implant is 23 pores/mm^(2.)

In some examples, a pore density of the third braided implant is 18 pores/mm^(2.)

In some examples, a pore density of the fourth braided implant is 19 pores/mm^(2.)

In some examples, a pore density of the fifth braided implant is 23 pores/mm^(2.)

In some examples, a pore density of the sixth braided implant is 21 pores/mm². In some examples, the braided implant includes radiopaque materials such as platinum, chromium, cobalt, tantalum, tungsten, gold, silver, and alloys thereof.

In some examples, a system for treating an aneurysm is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of braided implants, wherein each braided implant a porosity substantially consistent over a different 0.5 mm radial range in vessel diameter, each braided implant (10) configured to provide substantially consistent porosity over different 0.5 mm radial diameter ranges. However, other different radial ranges could be used as needed or required with the system, including different vessel diameter ranges of 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, or the like.

In some examples, a method is disclosed for treating an aneurysm. The method can include determining a vessel diameter associated with a vessel of the aneurysm; selecting one of a plurality of braided implants for treating the vessel (e.g., based on the determined vessel diameter), wherein each braided implant includes a porosity substantially consistent over at least a 1 mm vessel diameter range, each braided implant configured to provide substantially consistent porosity over different 1 mm diameter ranges; and treating the vessel with the one of the plurality of braided implants.

In some examples, the vessel is tapered and includes a proximal end diameter and a distal end diameter that differ by up to 1 mm, wherein the determining the vessel diameter includes comparing the proximal and distal end diameters or diameters.

In some examples, the vessel is tapered and has approximately 1 mm vessel diameter differential, the method further includes maintaining the substantially consistent porosity across the approximately 1 mm vessel diameter differential.

In some examples, the method includes configuring each braided implant to cover a vessel diameter range with 0.5 mm overlap between each respective other braided implant.

In some examples, the vessel diameter is tapered and ranges between approximately 3-4 mm.

In some examples, the vessel diameter is tapered and ranges between approximately 3.5-4.5 mm.

In some examples, the vessel diameter is tapered and ranges between approximately 4-5 mm.

In some examples, the vessel diameter is tapered and ranges between approximately 4.5-5.5 mm.

In some examples, the vessel diameter is tapered and ranges between approximately 5.0-6.0 mm.

In some examples, the vessel diameter is tapered and the plurality of braided implants is configured to treat vessel diameters ranging between 1.5-6 mm.

In some examples, the determining a vessel diameter is implemented by X-ray, fluoroscopy, MRI, or other visualization means

In some examples, the treating the vessel includes advancing the braided implant to an aneurysm; and reconstructing blood flow in the vessel by excluding the aneurysm and diverting blood flow from the aneurysm using the one of the plurality of braided implants.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the appended drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further aspects of this solution are further discussed with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention. The figures depict one or more implementations of the inventive devices, by way of example only, not by way of limitation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of an implant body formed of single strands and one or more radiopaque multi-strands according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a side plan view of an example vessel contemplated for use with the braided implant of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a graph that shows porosity versus vessel diameter for an example braided implant of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a graph that compares the porosity versus vessel diameter for an example braided implant of this disclosure versus a conventional device;

FIG. 5 is a graph that shows the pore density and number of wires versus vessel diameter for a set of example braided implants of this disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a graph that compares the porosity versus vessel diameter for a set of example braided implants of this disclosure versus a set of conventional devices;

FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram outlining example method steps of this disclosure; and

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram outlining example method steps of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although example embodiments of the disclosed technology are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology be limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” it is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.

In describing example embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more steps of a method does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Steps of a method may be performed in a different order than those described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified.

As discussed herein, vasculature of a “subject” or “patient” may be vasculature of a human or any animal. It should be appreciated that an animal may be a variety of any applicable type, including, but not limited thereto, mammal, veterinarian animal, livestock animal or pet type animal, etc. As an example, the animal may be a laboratory animal specifically selected to have certain characteristics similar to a human (e.g., rat, dog, pig, monkey, or the like). It should be appreciated that the subject may be any applicable human patient, for example.

As discussed herein, “operator” may include a doctor, surgeon, or any other individual or delivery instrumentation associated with delivery of a braid body to the vasculature of a subject.

As discussed herein, “strand” is intended in its broadest meaning to include a wire, a fiber, a filament, or other single elongated member.

As discussed herein, “radiopaque” is utilized for its normal meaning of being radiodense, that is, formed of one or more materials which inhibit the passage of electromagnetic radiation to increase visibility during imaging. Suitable radiopaque materials for use according to the present invention include platinum, chromium, cobalt, tantalum, tungsten, gold, silver, and alloys thereof.

The braided implants 10 of this disclosure can be better understood when looking at the figures appended to this disclosure. For instance, in FIG. 1, a schematic enlarged view of a portion of a braided implant 10 is shown according to an example of this disclosure. Braided implant 10 can be formed of single strands 12 composed of at least a first material and one or more radiopaque multi-strands 14. In this construction, implant 10 is woven to include at least a second multi-strand 16. In another construction, indicated by dashed lines, the implant 10 further includes multi-strands 18 and 20 formed of monofilaments 22 and 24 each laid together with monofilaments 26 and 28, respectively. The pattern of implant 10, which is woven in some constructions and braided in other constructions, includes openings 30 defined by single strands 12 oriented in a first direction and by single strands 24 and 25 oriented in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction, for example. Implant 10 further includes openings 32 and 34 defined on either side of multi-strand 14 by single strands 13 and 15 oriented in the same direction as multi-strand 14 and by single strands 24, 25 and 27 oriented in a transverse direction. In some constructions, openings 32 and 34 are slightly larger than openings 30 which are defined only by single strands; in other constructions, all openings 30, 32 and 34 are substantially the same.

Other embodiments are contemplated for implants 10 of this disclosure and can also be observed in U.S. Pat. Pub. 2016/0058524, a reference that is incorporated in its entirety herein. Braided implant 10 constructions of this disclosure in some examples are considered to have substantially the same pattern as if implant 10 were formed solely from single strands of material. Since the multi-strands are braided, woven or otherwise laid in parallel to each other in the same manner as if single strands of radiopaque material were utilized, and especially when each filament of the multi-strand has the same diameter as the single strands, there is little or no mechanical impact to the performance of the implant, such as flexibility, ability to expand, and crimped profile.

Turning to FIG. 2, a side plan view of an example vessel is shown that is contemplated for use with implant 10 of this disclosure. As can be seen, the example vessel tapers along its longitudinal axis of the internal carotid artery (ICA). See, Rai A T, Hogg J P, Cline B, et al. J NeuroIntervent Surg (2012) which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The Rai study undertook to determine the typical length, diameter and taper of vessels in the anterior cerebral circulation. The arterial diameter was measured at the proximal cavernous ICA, the ICA terminus, the middle cerebral artery MCA origin and an M2 origin. The length between these endpoints was calculated along the center line. The vessel taper was calculated for the ICA as the change in caliber per unit length. In carrying out this study, the Rai study determined that the mean diameter at the cavernous ICA and the ICA terminus was 5±0.6 mm and 3.6±0.4 mm, respectively. The mean ICA taper was 0.04±0.02 mm/1 mm. For the MCA, the diameter at the MCA and M2 origins measured 3.1±0.4 mm and 2.4±0.4 mm, respectively.

FIG. 2 provides non-limiting examples of diameter measurements at respective lengths taken from the proximal cavernous ICA towards the ICA terminus further exemplifying the tapering nature of the vessel. The Rai study confirmed that the ICA tapers from its proximal cavernous segment to the ICA terminus that implant 10 is configured to treat.

Turning to FIG. 3, a graph is provided that shows the percent porosity of an example braided implant 10 of this disclosure as compared to vessel diameter that were investigated for this disclosure. As can be seen, the braided implant 10 of this disclosure held a relatively consistent pore size and porosity over a 1 mm vessel diameter range. Throughout this disclosure, when referring to a vessel diameter range, it is intended that this term means a range of diameters as measured between two separate locations in the vessel being treated by braided implant 10. For example, a practitioner using X-ray visualization could measure the vessel diameter of the proximal cavernous ICA as 4.2 mm whereas the vessel diameter towards the ICA terminus could be 3.2. In this respect, the vessel diameter range in this example tapered vessel would be 1 mm. The implants 10 of this disclosure are designed to accommodate such tapering vessels across these example vessel diameter ranges while also maintaining a substantially consistent target porosity. This is particularly advantageous since it means fewer implants are required to accommodate vessels that tapering greater than conventional devices (e.g., vessel diameter ranges of approximately 0.25 mm) or tortuosity typically seen in the neurovasculature.

With this, FIG. 3 depicts an example vessel having a 1 mm vessel diameter range between 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. In this example, the braided implant 10 of this disclosure maintained approximately 70% porosity. Specifically, at a diameter of 3.5 mm, the porosity of the braid was approximately 69%. At a diameter of 4.0 mm, the porosity of the braid was approximately 69%. At a diameter of 4.5 mm, the porosity of the braid was approximately 67%.

Turning to FIG. 4, a graph is provided that summarizes a comparison carried out whereby the porosity versus vessel diameter is shown for an example implant 10 of this disclosure versus the Pipeline™ Embolization Device (PED) by Medtronic across a 1 mm vessel diameter range. Specifically, braided implant 10 and the PED device were compared between a vessel diameter range of 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. As can be seen, the braided implant 10 of this disclosure held a relatively consistent pore size and porosity over a 1 mm vessel diameter range at about 70% across the same range previously shown in FIG. 3. Conversely, the PED device at 3.5 mm vessel diameter demonstrated 80% porosity, at 4 mm vessel diameter demonstrated a 70% porosity, and at 4.5 mm vessel diameter demonstrated less than 50% porosity. Stated differently, the porosity of the PED device diminished appreciably as the diameter of the vessel increased across the 1 mm range, whereas the example braided implant 10 of this disclosure demonstrated a substantially consistent porosity over the 1 mm diameter range.

FIG. 4 also shows the porosity of each device as it changes while expanding and it is characteristically the same. In certain examples, the braided implant 10 is designed such that the indicated vessel diameter coincides with the peak of the porosity curve and the plateau area around it (which deviates from the target porosity very little). For example, in FIG. 3 the braided implant 10 shown is indicated for an artery diameter range from 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. This device remains very close to the target porosity of 70% throughout its expansion range, which has a width of 1.0 mm.

When the device is compressed, for example, it is dense so its porosity is very low (see, e.g., the lower-left of FIG. 3). As the device expands, the porosity increases since the pores of the braided implant 10 are opening. At a certain point, the porosity reaches a peak, which is when the braiding angle is at 90 degrees since each pore can be a square, and as large as it can get, shown at the center arrow of FIG. 3. Further expansion of the diameter past this peak then reduces the size of each pore and thus the porosity. When the braided implant 10 reaches maximum diameter at its expansion limit, then braided implant 10 is again very dense and porosity is correspondingly low (see, e.g., lower-right of FIG. 3).

In contrast, other devices known might be designed differently, so that the plateau area of the porosity curve is not as wide as 1.0 mm, or they might be indicated for artery diameters that do not coincide with the plateau area. In these older approaches, the range of diameters that coincide with the target porosity would be narrow since outside the plateau, small changes in artery diameter result in large deviations from the target porosity. Accordingly, other devices known would be incapable of being able to treat a wider range of vessel diameters.

Turning to FIG. 5, a graph is provided that summarizes the porosity versus vessel diameter for an example braided implant 10 of this disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows six separate braided implants (10) that each have approximately a 1 mm range in vessel diameter, and offset from one another by approximately half of that range (0.5 mm). The legend shows the range of vessel diameters from minimum to maximum and corresponding label for the applicable braided implant (10). For example, a first braided implant (10) is configured for a vessel diameter range between 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm with a label of 2.5 mm. The first braided implant (10) has 48 wires with a pore density (mm²) of 18. A second braided implant (10) is configured for a vessel diameter range between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm with a label of 3 mm. The second braided implant (10) has 64 wires with a pore density (mm²) of 23. A third braided implant (10) is configured for a vessel diameter range between 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm with a label of 3.5 mm. The third braided implant (10) has 64 wires with a pore density (mm²) of 18. A fourth braided implant (10) is configured for a vessel diameter range between 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm with a label of 4.0 mm. The fourth braided implant (10) has 72 wires with a pore density (mm²) of 19. A fifth braided implant (10) is configured for a vessel diameter range between 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm with a label of 4.5 mm. The fifth braided implant (10) has 96 wires with a pore density (mm²) of 21. A sixth braided implant (10) is configured for a vessel diameter range between 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm with a label of 5 mm. The sixth braided implant (10) has 96 wires with a pore density (mm²) of 21.

Turning to FIG. 6, a graph is provided that summarizes a comparison carried out whereby the porosity versus vessel diameter is shown for set of example implants (10) of this disclosure versus a set of PED devices across different vessel diameter ranges, including from 2 mm to 6 mm. Specifically, in the first braided implant 10 indicated as being configured for use across a vessel diameter of 2 mm to 3 mm, braided implant 10 was observed as providing approximately 70% porosity, whereas a comparable PED device was only able to maintain approximately 70% porosity across a vessel diameter of 2.5 mm to 2.75 mm (i.e. only a 0.25 mm vessel diameter range). Another PED device in the relevant diameter range was necessary for said PED device just to complete the gap from 2.75 mm to 3.0 mm vessel diameter range, as shown. The first braided implant (10) was constructed from 48 strands of wire and the PED device was similarly constructed from 48 strands of wire. For the 2.0 mm to 2.5 mm range, two more PED devices would also be required, since the PED device only demonstrated a 0.25 mm range capable of maintaining 70% porosity during use.

FIG. 6 also depicts that a second braided implant (10) indicated as being configured for use across a vessel diameter of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, braided implant (10) was observed as providing approximately 70% porosity, whereas a comparable PED device was only able to maintain approximately 70% porosity across a vessel diameter of 3.0 mm to 3.25 mm (i.e. only a 0.25 mm vessel diameter range). The second braided implant (10) in this example was constructed from 64 strands of wire while the PED device was constructed from 48 strands of wire. In other words, at a vessel diameter of 3 mm, the second braided implant (10) used approximately 21.3 strands/mm of vessel diameter while the PED device used 16 strands/mm of vessel diameter. As a result of using fewer strands per diameter, the PED device has a porosity vs diameter curve that has a narrower plateau section than the second braided implant (10). Further, another PED device in the relevant diameter range was necessary for said PED device just to complete the gap from 3.25 mm to 3.50 mm vessel diameter range, as shown. Further, as shown with respect to the 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm range and the first braided implant (10), two more PED devices would also be required, since the PED device only demonstrated a 0.25 mm range capable of maintaining 70% porosity during use.

FIG. 6 also depicts that a third braided implant (10) indicated as being configured for use across a vessel diameter of 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm, braided implant (10) was observed as providing approximately 70% porosity, whereas a comparable PED device was only able to maintain approximately 70% porosity across a vessel diameter of 3.5 mm to 3.75 mm (i.e. only a 0.25 mm vessel diameter range). The third braided implant (10) in this example was constructed from 64 strands of wire while the PED device was constructed from 48 strands of wire. In other words, at a vessel diameter of 3.5 mm, the third braided implant (10) used approximately 18.3 strands/mm of vessel diameter while the PED device used 13.7 strands/mm of vessel diameter. As a result of using fewer strands per diameter, the PED device has a porosity vs diameter curve that has a narrower plateau section than the third braided implant (10). Further, another PED device in the relevant diameter range was necessary for said PED device just to complete the gap from 3.75 mm to 4.00 mm vessel diameter range, as shown.

FIG. 6 also depicts that a fourth braided implant (10) indicated as being configured for use across a vessel diameter of 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm, braided implant (10) was observed as providing approximately 70% porosity, whereas a comparable PED device was only able to maintain approximately 70% porosity across a vessel diameter of 4.0 mm to 4.25 mm (i.e. only a 0.25 mm vessel diameter range). The fourth braided implant (10) in this example was constructed from 72 strands of wire while the PED device was constructed from 48 strands of wire. In other words, at a vessel diameter of 4 mm, the fourth braided implant (10) used approximately 18 strands/mm of vessel diameter while the PED device used 12 strands/mm of vessel diameter. As a result of using fewer strands per diameter, the PED device has a porosity vs diameter curve that has a narrower plateau section than the fourth braided implant (10). Further, another PED device in the relevant diameter range was necessary for said PED device just to complete the gap from 4.25 mm to 4.50 mm vessel diameter range, as shown.

FIG. 6 also depicts that a fifth braided implant (10) indicated as being configured for use across a vessel diameter of 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm, braided implant (10) was observed as providing approximately 70% porosity, whereas a comparable PED device was only able to maintain approximately 70% porosity across a vessel diameter of 4.5 mm to 4.75 mm (i.e. only a 0.25 mm vessel diameter range). The fifth braided implant (10) in this example was constructed from 96 strands of wire while the PED device was constructed from 48 strands of wire. In other words, at a vessel diameter of 4.5 mm, the fifth braided implant (10) used approximately 21.3 strands/mm of vessel diameter while the PED device used 10.7 strands/mm of vessel diameter. As a result of using fewer strands per diameter, the PED device has a porosity vs diameter curve that has a narrower plateau section than the fifth braided implant (10). Further, another PED device in the relevant diameter range was necessary for said PED device just to complete the gap from 4.75 mm to 5.00 mm vessel diameter range, as shown.

FIG. 6 also depicts that a sixth braided implant (10) indicated as being configured for use across a vessel diameter of 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, braided implant (10) was observed as providing approximately 70% porosity, whereas a comparable PED device was only able to maintain approximately 70% porosity across a vessel diameter of 5.0 mm to 5.25 mm (i.e. only a 0.25 mm vessel diameter range). The sixth braided implant (10) in this example was constructed from 96 strands of wire while the PED device was constructed from 48 strands of wire. In other words, at a vessel diameter of 5.0 mm, the sixth braided implant (10) used approximately 19.2 strands/mm of vessel diameter while the PED device used 9.6 strands/mm of vessel diameter. As a result of using fewer strands per diameter, the PED device has a porosity vs diameter curve that has a narrower plateau section than the sixth braided implant (10). Further, another PED device in the relevant diameter range was necessary for said PED device just to complete the gap from 5.25 mm to 5.50 mm vessel diameter range, as shown.

As seen in FIG. 6, for each indicated 1 mm vessel range covered by one of braided implants (10), four separate PED devices would be required by the practitioner for similar coverage in corresponding vessels, which is both inconvenient, wasteful, but quite possibly unsafe given the nature of blood vessels afflicted with hemorrhagic events and tendencies to taper considerably. For example, if a vessel were to taper more than 0.25 mm, then no current PED device would adequately treat the afflicted vessel in a manner than maintains a substantially consistent target porosity of 70%.

In FIG. 7, a flow diagram depicts one example method 700 and corresponding steps. Step 710 includes determining a vessel diameter associated with a vessel having the aneurysm. Step 720 includes selecting one of a plurality of braided implants (10) for treating the vessel, wherein each braided implant (10) comprises a porosity substantially consistent over up to a 1 mm vessel diameter range, each braided implant (10) configured to provide substantially consistent porosity over different 1 mm diameter ranges. Step 730 includes treating the vessel with the one of the plurality of braided implants (10).

In FIG. 8, a flow diagram depicts one example method 800 and corresponding steps. Step 810 includes determining a vessel diameter associated with a vessel containing the aneurysm. Step 820 includes selecting one of a plurality of braided implants (10) for treating the vessel, wherein each braided implant (10) comprises a porosity substantially consistent over at least a 0.5 mm vessel diameter range, each braided implant (10) configured to provide substantially consistent porosity over different 0.5 mm diameter ranges. Step 830 includes treating the vessel with the one of the plurality of braided implants (10).

The braided implants (10) of this disclosure are particularly advantageous since a doctor can benefit from a wider indicated diameter range since it can afford some forgiveness for measurement inaccuracies and/or errors (e.g. an artery is measured on X-ray or any other visualization means to be 3.3 mm when it is actually 3.5 mm). Doctors can also benefit since a wider indicate diameter range can maintain consistent porosity close to the target porosity in tapering vessels, which is common. The implant (10) of this disclosure is also advantageous since the anatomical range of artery diameters can be treated with fewer devices, simplifying the device selection process and saving storage space for the inventory they must keep on hand.

In certain examples, a set or family of implants (10) is disclosed, each with a 1.0 mm wide indicated diameter range, are arranged such that they cover the anatomical range with 0.5 mm overlap, as shown in FIGS. 5-6. It is noted that the ranges depicted and described throughout reference a vessel diameter range of up to 1 mm for a respective braided implant (10). However, it is contemplated that the braided implant (10) can be adapted for more than a 1 mm vessel diameter range. The braided implants (10) of this disclosure are s particularly advantageous since for any given artery diameter, there exists two different options of a device that can be selected. For example, an artery with a diameter of 3.25 mm can be at a desired treatment location in the vasculature. If the artery tapers down as you move away from the treatment location (i.e. becomes smaller), then the doctor could select the smaller implant from the set or family of implants by, for example, selecting an implant listed at 2.5 mm, rather than 3.5 mm. In this respect, the artery segment is exposed to target porosity over a longer length. Conversely, if the artery tapers up as you move away from the treatment location (i.e. becomes larger), then the doctor could select the larger implant from the set or family by, for example, selecting an implant listed at 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm. In this respect, similar to the previous example, the artery segment is exposed to the target porosity over a longer length.

The advantages in the present disclosure result from providing a braided implant with a broad plateau area of the characteristic porosity curve so that implant or the family or set of implants is capable of treating artery diameters within the plateau of an approximate 1.0 mm wide indicated range, and overlapping the indicated diameter ranges so the doctor has options for the best choice depending on the anatomy presented.

In certain examples, each of the side-by-side filaments of the braided implants of this disclosure include a monofilament of radiopaque material. In one construction, the carrier having the multi-strand is substantially the same as the carriers for the single strands. Each of the side-by-side filaments of the multi-strand is a monofilament of radiopaque material. Preferably, the diameter of each side-by-side filament is substantially the same as the diameter of the single strands. Forming the body includes establishing a first spacing pattern, such as an open braid pattern or an open weave pattern, and a first wall thickness, and each multi-strand joins in the first spacing pattern without substantial deviation from that pattern and without substantially altering the first wall thickness.

In certain techniques, at least one multi-strand carrier is utilized for every dozen single-strand carriers. Some machines have at least 42 carriers, such as 48 carriers, and at least 6 of the carriers, such as 8 carriers, are loaded with the multi-strands of radiopaque material. This still results in a 48-carrier braid but having double the number of radiopaque strands as when the 8 carriers are loaded with single strands of radiopaque material.

Braided implants of this disclosure, including flow diverters, can be designed for a specific percentage of coverage area per artery area or inversely, the percentage of open area remaining per artery area, known in this disclosure as “porosity”, after they have been delivered and expanded in place at the treatment site. The designed porosity can be adjusted by the braiding parameters, such as number of wires, width of wires, braided diameter, and braiding angle which can be alternatively measured as PPI or pitch. Once the target porosity is identified based on these factors, the braid design can be adjusted so that it reaches the target porosity when expanded to the indicated artery diameter.

Braided implants of this disclosure, including flow diverters, can have many variants within a set or family that reach the target porosity at different artery diameters. Therefore, the set or family of devices together allow the physician to treat any diameter artery within the anatomical range (1.5 mm to 6 mm is typical for neurovascular).

The descriptions contained herein are examples illustrating the various embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. As described herein, the invention contemplates many variations and modifications of a system, device, or method that can be used. Variations can include but are not limited to alternative geometries of elements and components described herein, utilizing any of numerous materials for each component or element (e.g. radiopaque materials, memory shape metals, etc.). These modifications would be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention relates and are intended to be within the scope of the claims which follow.

The specific configurations, choice of materials and the size and shape of various elements can be varied according to particular design specifications or constraints requiring a system or method constructed according to the principles of the disclosed technology. Such changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosed technology. The presently disclosed embodiments, therefore, are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. It will therefore be apparent from the foregoing that while particular forms of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A braided implant configured as a flow diverter for treating an aneurysm, the implant comprising: a braided mesh configured to maintain a consistent target porosity of 65%-70% in a tapered vessel, the tapered vessel having up to a 1 mm diameter range; wherein the braided mesh is configured to maintain the consistent target porosity between proximal and distal ends of the braided mesh while in the tapered vessel.
 2. The implant of claim 1, wherein the tapered vessel comprises a proximal end diameter and a distal end diameter that differ by up to 1 mm, wherein the up to 1 mm vessel diameter range is defined by comparing the proximal and distal end diameters.
 3. The implant of claim 1, wherein a predetermined length between proximal and distal ends of the braided mesh in the tapered vessel is at least 3 cm.
 4. The implant of claim 1, wherein a predetermined length between proximal and distal ends of the braided mesh in the tapered vessel is at least 1 cm.
 5. The implant of claim 1, wherein the braided implant further comprises an indicated vessel diameter, and wherein the braided implant is configured such that the indicated vessel diameter coincides with a peak of a porosity curve of the braided implant.
 6. The implant of claim 5, wherein the braided implant further comprises a porosity plateau that corresponds to the 1 mm radial range in vessel diameter that is disposed about the peak of the porosity curve.
 7. The implant of claim 1, wherein a pore density of the braided implant is 18 to 23 pores/mm².
 8. The implant of claim 1, wherein the braided implant is a cylindrical porous structure.
 9. The implant of claim 1, wherein the braided implant is formed from a plurality of single strands composed of at least a first material and one or more radiopaque multi-strands.
 10. The implant of claim 1, wherein the braided implant is formed from a plurality of multi-strands formed of monofilaments each laid together with monofilaments, respectively.
 11. The implant of claim 1, wherein the implant is configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 2 to 3 mm.
 12. The implant of claim 1, wherein the implant is configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 2.5 to 3.5 mm.
 13. The implant of claim 12, wherein a pore density of the implant is 23 pores/mm².
 14. The implant of claim 1, wherein the implant is configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 3.0 to 4.0 mm.
 15. The implant of claim 14, wherein a pore density of the braided implant is 18 pores/mm².
 16. The implant of claim 1, wherein the implant is configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 3.5 to 4.5 mm.
 17. The implant of claim 16, wherein a pore density of the braided implant is 19 pores/mm².
 18. The implant of claim 1, wherein the implant is configured to treat a vessel diameter range of 4.0 to 5.0 mm.
 19. The implant of claim 18, wherein a pore density of the braided implant is 23 pores/mm².
 20. A braided implant configured as a flow diverter for treating an aneurysm of an internal carotid artery, the implant comprising: a braided mesh configured to maintain a consistent target porosity of 65%-70% in the internal carotid artery which is tapered between having up to a 1 mm diameter range; wherein the braided mesh is configured to maintain the consistent target porosity between proximal and distal ends of the braided mesh while in the internal carotid artery across the 1 mm diameter range. 